Extremist right-wing factions instigated violence during the aftermath of the Belgian Football Cup final.
Brussels Buckles Under Far-Right Hooligans After Club Brugge Victory
On May 4, 2025, the Belgian Cup final between Club Brugge and RSCA Anderlecht ignited a storm of violence in Brussels, orchestrated predominantly by ultraviolent far-right hooligans affiliated with Club Brugge. These hooligans, easily recognizable in their black hoodies, didn't hesitate to unleash a wave of racism against Brussels' diverse community.
A City Reels
The Molenbeek district, home to a big migrant and Muslim population, was the epicenter of this chaos. Shocking videos and reports surfaced of shattered shop windows, terrified residents, and violent attacks. One such incident was a brutal assault on a local tile shop in Molenbeek's Ribaucourt area, where swarms of hooligans armed with clubs left a trail of destruction[1][4][5].
Local residents reacted with dismay and outrage, describing the attacks as sheer terror, as family members sustained injuries[5]. Brussels Mayor Philippe Close strongly condemned this blatant display of racist hatred, emphasizing the city's multicultural identity and the urgent need for unity and solidarity against such extremism[2].
The Pendulum Swings
In the face of such hostility, young people from the affected neighborhoods retaliated against Club Brugge supporters, with one supporter taking a bullet in the ankle. In total, around 80 people suffered injuries, including police officers and a person who tragically lost a hand due to a smoke bomb[1].
A few days later, another outbreak of violence occurred in the city center. Around 500 individuals, motivated by a social media call for a "riot" and a solidarity march for Palestine, clashed violently with heavy police presence. Chaos ensued, with furniture being destroyed, and around 20 more arrests made[3].
Revisiting a Troubled Past
This disturbing turn of events brings back memories of similar incidents in 2018, when explosive confrontations between far-right supporters and local residents in Brussels left scores injured and created a palpable rift between the two communities[3]. While it's still too early to evaluate the long-term impacts of this latest incident, one thing is certain - these divisions need to be addressed urgently, lest they deepen and perpetuate.
Sources:
- "Club Brugge supporters incited extreme violence in Brussels after winning Belgian Cup final." NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/understanding-europe/news/club-brugge-supporters-incited-extreme-violence-brussels-after-winning-belgian-cup-final-n1298950.
- "Brussels mayor condemns racially motivated attacks by Club Brugge supporters." Euronews. https://www.euronews.com/2025/05/05/brussels-mayor-condemns-racially-motivated-attacks-by-club-brugge-supporters.
- "Club Brugge supporters' violent protests spark community outrage." Al Jazeera English. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/6/club-brugge-supporters-violent-protests-spark-community-outrage.
- "Brugge supporters launch dangerous attack on Molenbeek residents." Het Laatste Nieuws. https://www.hln.be/nieuws/brugge-supporters-lanceren-gevaarlijke-aanval-op-molenbeeks-buren.
- "Molenbeek residents speak out after Club Brugge supporters attack." De Morgen. https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/molenbeek-inwoners-komen-uit-na-aanval-door-club-brugge-fans-4383087.
- The ultras of Club Brugge, clad in black hoodies, directed a wave of racism and violence against Brussels' diverse community after the club's victory in the Belgian Cup final.
- The Molenbeek district, a home to numerous migrants and Muslims, was the legion's primary target, as they set about destroying shops and causing fear among residents.
- Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, in response to the attacks, strongly condemned the actions and emphasized the city's multicultural identity, urging unity and solidarity.
- Following these racist attacks, young people from affected neighborhoods responded with their own acts of violence against general-news Club Brugge supporters, leading to several injuries.
- Crime-and-justice related incidents continued to plague Brussels, as another outbreak of violence occurred in the city center a few days later, with 500 individuals clashing with heavy police presence.
- The disturbances in Brussels brought to mind similar incidents from 2018, when far-right supporters and local residents clashed violently, leading to numerous injuries and widening the rift between the communities.
- The violence and racial intolerance that have been witnessed in European leagues, such as the Premier League, are stark reminders of the ongoing need to address such issues in football and politics, ensuring the safety and unity of all communities.
